Simon Fraser (20 May 1776 – 18 August 1862) was a Canadian explorer and fur trader who charted much of what is now the Canadian province of British Columbia. He also built the first European settlement in British Columbia.

Employed by the Montreal-based North West Company, he had been by 1805 put in charge of all of the company's operations west of the Rocky Mountains. He was responsible for building that area's first trading posts, and in 1808, he explored what is now known as the Fraser River, which bears his name. Fraser's exploratory efforts were partly responsible for Canada's boundary later being established at the 49th parallel (after the War of 1812) since he, as a British subject, was the first European to establish permanent settlements in the area. According to the historian Alexander Begg, Fraser "was offered a knighthood but declined the title due to his limited wealth."

Early life

thumb|This historic marker is located in front of Fraser's birthplace home. The home is still standing in [[Hoosick, New York|Mapletown, NY, one-half mile north of NY Route 7 on Rensselaer County of Mapletown, Hoosick, New York.]]

Fraser was born on 20 May 1776 in the village of Mapletown, Hoosick, New York. The Frasers of Guisachan and Culbokie were descended from a younger brother of the 10th Chief of the Frasers of Lovat.

Simon's father came with his regiment to North America in 1773 and died in prison after being captured during the Battle of Bennington (1777).

  • Fraser Squadron, Royal Military College of Canada
  • CCGS Simon Fraser, a former Canadian Coast Guard vessel

References

  • Simon Fraser, Canadian Explorer
  • Biography at Discover Vancouver
  • Ontario Plaques - Simon Fraser